285/70/17 tires, size difference between E and C’s?

[str8flexed]

I was pretty interested to find that when looking at Wildpeak AT3W’s, the 285/70 was bigger in an E than C rated tire.

From the manufacturer website, E’s are 11.6 wide vs 11.2” for C’s, and 33” vs 32.8” in diameter. 285/75/17 is actually only 11.1” wide!

I was pretty set on C’s but now I’m not so sure. I think the extra width of E’s would be noticeable and look better.

I’ve heard that BFG KO’s run small, and now I’m curious if the E rated is larger than the C-rated 285/70. I suspect it may be so since it is so much lighter. The website says they are identical, however.

 

[baysta]

This is why Nitro Ridge Grapples in C vs E are the same weight. Lighter weight and lower ply on sidewalls means smaller tire which means the printed size is rendered inaccurate. In order to remedy this and to keep with being honest Nitto makes sure the tire is the same size in both ratings, which makes the C tire identical to the E ply in size and weight. The difference in plywall weight is made up from a slightly different compound makeup, if I recall correctly.

Source: I called Nitto about this exact question.

 

[mteolus]

I personally don't think the .4 inches would be visually noticeable to anyone, nor would .2 inch of height. But each manufacturer is different. In my opinion C load is more than enough for off-roading, E-load is needed if you tow a lot. I think it is bogus for a C load and E load tire to weigh the same from the same manufacturer (i.e. Wildpeak's). That's why I got C load BFG's. 51 lbs C load vs. 58 for E load.

Regarding Falkens, if they would explain the reason why they both weigh the same that would help.

 

[MAST4R]

Yeah, I think my P Wildpeaks are the standard for P metric tires but when it comes to LT, the weights are crazy because Falken uses traditional steel.

What is super interesting is that the LTC 285 70 17 Widlpeak is off the charts: it is heavier than the LTE AND also has a Q speed rating vs S for LTE. AND the 275 LTC WIldpeak is S rated. I guess their LTC was specifically made for the Gladiator to a price point. The numbers otherwise make no sense as they are inferior to all other Wildpeaks in 4R sizes.

Personally, if I do move away from my P Wildpeaks, I will look for a lightweight LTC or at most for lightweight LTE with extra physical plies (6 vs 5 tread). If I cave in and go back to having two sets, I will get something that has 6 tread plies and 3 sidewall plies but in LTC (which are only in 275 75 17).

But with 2,500+ miles through varied off pavement terrain, including a great deal of punishing desert rocks and Montana sticks, I am still at a loss to find a better overall fit for me.

Btw, if you believe that LTC or LTE Wildpeaks are stronger than P Wildpeaks offroad, ask Falken what they think.

 

[Jetboy]

Think of them as nominal size. They all vary some between the molds used. For example in this photo the middle tire is a 285/75/17 and it's narrower than the one on the right that's a 275/60/20. The one on the left is a 285/70/17. All of them are on wheels and fully inflated. In the end - there isn't a lot of difference between all of them size wise. The 275's are the widest of the bunch. The only functional difference in the real world is that the 17" wheels allow a good bit more sidewall so you can air down for better comfort and traction. For daily street duty - the 20" setup is a lot nicer. Unless you have a really good reason you need E rated tires - and you're going for 285/70's - I'd go for the P rated tire or C rated tire to have the lighter weight tire and softer side walls. The only reason I have E rated tires is because that's all they make in 285/75/17 size. If they made a P or C rated tire in that size - I'd buy those.

Usually C and E rated tires have different layers of radial cords - the metal wires that run from rim bead to rim bead. The E rated having more of them in order to hold more pressure. Otherwise they're pretty much identical in most cases. P rated tires are usually a lighter built casing and have shallower tread depth and thinner side walls.